Saturday, July 16, 2016

Anthony Edmonds and A Wife With No Name

I have been searching for more information on my paternal Edmonds line for several years now.  Specifically, I have been searching for additional records for Anthony Edmonds and his wife.  I believed (and still do) that Anthony was my 3great grandfather through his son, James Powell Edmonds.

Anthony was born circa 1780 in Halifax County, Virginia to the marriage of John Edmonds and Winifred Buckner.  He was married circa 1809 in Georgia (possibly Oglethorpe County) and was the father to seven known children.  The name of Anthony's wife was unknown to me during these past several years.

The earliest record I had for Anthony Edmonds was the 1820 U.S. Census below which showed him living in Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Georgia with his wife and five of his seven known children.

1820 U.S. Census


The 1820 U.S. Census for Oglethorpe County, Georgia lists only two other Edmonds; John and James who are listed right above Anthony.  I believe the John to be Anthony's father and James to be Anthony's brother.  James and Anthony had another brother, John, who was living in Lincoln County, Georgia in 1820 with his wife, Aurilla Tatom.

The 1830 U.S. Census shows Anthony and children living in Captain Hatchels District, Oglethorpe County, Georgia.  His wife had apparently died prior to 1830.

1830 U.S. Census

By 1840 Anthony Edmonds along with three or four of his children were living in District 605, Taliaferro County, Georgia.

1840 U.S. Census

Since I could not find an 1850 census record for Anthony, I estimated his date of death as 'bef 1850' and his place of death as Taliaferro County, Georgia.

While assisting me with my Edmonds research, Frances Bird Farley came across some Edmonds records on the Georgia Archives website which had been added since my last visit to the site over a year ago.  Frances forwarded the link to me and I began my search. As I scanned through the pages I came across the following records from the County Line Baptist Church of Oglethorpe County.

1843 Death Announcement for Anthony Edmonds


1817 & 1819 Church Records for Keziah, wife of Anthony Edmonds



1809 Church Record for John Edmonds and wife

These records not only provided the date and place of death for Anthony and a connection to the John who I believe was his father, they also provided the first name of his wife.  

A few lessons were also learned.
  • Another "set of eyes" is always helpful (Thank you, Frances!)
  • Check and re-check websites for newly added records
  • Never give up the search

Now, to find the maiden name of Keziah....


1 comment:

  1. I keep re-checking and re-checking. I'm hoping to have your great luck someday. Congratulations on finding the name of the "wife with no name"!

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